Bad News! You're Probably Applying Your Skincare Products All Wrong

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In the beauty world, 'what product goes on first, your serum or moisturizer?', is about as mysterious to us as the whole chicken or the egg question. But while the jury is still out on that age-old debate, the order in which you apply your skincare products is completely agreed upon by the experts — even if it is little known among the rest of us. To help set us all straight and make the most of our treasured face treatments and creams, we checked in with the experts, founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi and celebrity esthetician Joanna Vargas to find out exactly how we should be applying each product.

First things first, Dr. Tanzi and Vargas both agree that you really only need three products for your daily routine. "If you are using great products, you don't need a lot of steps," Vargas tells us of sticking with a cleanser, serum, and moisturizer — the Holy Trinity of your skincare routine. But since we like to treat ourselves (and inevitably complicate things) by trying out new products, we're breaking down every possible skincare option and step for your morning and nighttime routine, below. Still, when in doubt, Dr. Tanzi says a simple rule of thumb is to "apply products with the thinnest formulations first to [allow them] to be absorbed." Need further clarification? Here are the exact steps:

Makeup Remover:No matter what your nighttime routine, Vargas says, "taking off makeup is the first step." This ensures that every product you use after, from your face wash to your moisturizer, will be absorbed into the skin better, and that you're not just piling products on to dirty skin.

Cleanser:Morning or night, Dr. Tanzi and Vargas both agree that you should start things off by washing your face with a cleanser that gets out dirt and oil but is still gentle on your skin. While Vargas's [Vitamin C Face Wash](https://shop-links.co/1684059189364040752 clears out pores to prevent breakouts without drying the skin, Dr. Tanzi also recommends the La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser for those who particularly struggle with acne or Cetaphil Skin Cleanser for an inexpensive option that's gentle on skin.

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Cleansing Balm:If you prefer a more solid cleanser that melts into dry skin and can double as a makeup remover, make this your first step. The Eve Lom Cleanser gets our luxe pick for leaving skin clean and as soft as if you've just moisturized, while Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm is a more budget-friendly option.

Cleansing Oil:This is another first step alternative that dissolves makeup and washes away the gross oils (think the ones that cause acne), while leaving skin clean and soft using good-for-you oils like coconut and argan. Try Burt's Bee Facial Cleansing Oil.

Micellar Water:If you went in on the French beauty trend, you'll be happy to know you can use micellar water like Garnier's as your first step to remove your makeup and cleanse your skin.

Toner:While it's certainly not a necessary step, Vargas says you can use a toner "to rebalance the skin after cleansing," if you need an extra boost.

Masks:Dr. Tanzi says you only need to do a mask once each week, and it should always be applied to skin that's already been removed of any makeup and cleansed.

Face Mist:If your face needs a little bit of extra hydration or you're trying to calm down any irritation, you can spray one of these over your face after cleansing (or use it throughout the day over your makeup for a refreshing pick-me-up).

Oils:Dr. Tanzi says that since you wouldn't be using an oil and a serum, those with drier skin can opt for an oil if they like, while combination and acne-prone skin types should always go for the serum.

Essences:Since essences and serums provide the same hydrating skin benefit, if you've found an essence you really like, you can skip the serum and use that instead.

Moisturizer:In the morning, Dr. Tanzi and Vargas both stress that it's important to choose a moisturizer with SPF (yes, even in the winter) to keep your skin hydrated and protected from sun damage. Again, Dr. Tanzi tells us that gentle skincare products are best in your teen years, so stick to simple formulations like CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with SPF 30 or Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer, which also works to clear blemishes. At night, switch to a regular moisturizer like CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM, or skip the moisturizer entirely if you have oily, acne-prone skin and just stick to your cleanser and acne treatment combo.

Primer:Glossier's Priming Moisturizer is especially good in the summer months when you're looking for a lighter alternative to your usual moisturizer — plus it sets your skin up for a smoother makeup application.

SPF:If your favorite moisturizer is lacking in SPF or you'll be spending more time in the sun, Dr. Tanzi says to follow up your moisturizer (or serum if you skip this step entirely) with your sunscreen. Since it's the heaviest formulation, save the SPF for last.